Doctoral Emphasis in Language, Literacy, and Culture

The Department of Educational Specialties offers a doctoral program with an emphasis on language, literacy, and culture. The department has three doctoral programs: Literacy Studies, Special Education and Disability Studies, and Educational Specialties. The area of language, literacy and culture is one of the areas of emphasis within the Educational Specialties Doctoral Program.

Language, Literacy, and Culture is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the interconnectedness among language, literacy, and culture and emphasizes that pedagogy and scholarship in education should be designed to meet the needs of all students by preparing them to effectively live and work in a democratic and pluralistic society. The program is designed for those interested in the intersection of first and second language acquisition, TESOL, bilingual education, literacy, and multicultural education.

Students in this program often come with master's preparation in one of the following areas: literacy studies, teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), or equity and diversity (such as multicultural education).

More information about master's programs and doctoral programs in the Department of Educational Specialties.

The program offers options for both the doctor of education degree (Ed.D.) and the doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.). You should work with a faculty member in this program area to determine which program is right for you. The Application and Policy Manual for Doctoral Programs in EDS can also provide you with information about the two degree options. In general, you can apply 24-30 credits from your master's program to this degree. In total, the degree requires 18-24 credits of research courses; 45 credits in the areas of language, literacy, and culture; EDUC 779 Professional Seminar in Educational Specialties (3 credits); and 12-24 dissertation credits. The variation in credits represents differences between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D.

Faculty in the emphasis area of Language, Literacy, and Culture

• Dr. Rod Case, associate professor of TESOL
• Dr. Eleni Oikonomidoy, assistant professor of multicultural education
• Dr. Gwendolyn Williams, assistant professor of TESOL
• Dr. Cynthia Brock, professor of Literacy Studies
• Dr. Julie Pennington, associate professor of Literacy Studies
• Dr. Dianna Townsend, assistant professor of Literacy Studies
• Lynda Wiest, professor of mathematics education

How Can I Support the Program in Language, Literacy, and Culture?

There are a variety of ways to support students or faculty in the emphasis area of Language, Literacy, and Culture. For more information about support, please contact Mitch Klaich, Director of Development in the College of Education.

If you want more information about the emphasis area of Language, Literacy, and Culture, consult the degree program pages on this web site or contact:

Department of Educational Specialties